F. Gary Gray, Director of 'Lift,' Explores Franchise Prospects for Kevin Hart Film and Revolutionizes the Heist Genre.

Caution: Minor Spoilers Ahead for Netflix's 'Lift' - Stream with Care!

F. Gary Gray, known for directing heist movies like "The Italian Job" and "The Fate of the Furious," took on the challenge of bringing something new to the genre with his latest film, "Lift," now available on Netflix and starring Kevin Hart.

In "Lift," Hart's character, Cyrus Whitaker, leads an international crew specialized in stealing art. When his ex-girlfriend, Interpol agent Abby Gladwell (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw), discovers them stealing an NFT, she enlists their help in preventing a terrorist attack by stealing $500 million in gold from a plane.

Gray acknowledged the beloved nature of the heist genre, emphasizing that the motivations for the characters in "Lift" set it apart. In an interview with Variety, Gray discussed his approach to making "Lift" unique, including making the audience sympathize with the criminals, and hinted at the potential for a sequel or franchise.

What Attracted You to Dan Kunka's Screenplay?

I got a call from Bryan Smiley, a key figure at Kevin Hart's production company, Hartbeat. He expressed his admiration for my work, particularly "Set It Off," my first heist movie, and brought up "The Italian Job." Bryan pitched a heist movie starring Kevin and asked if I'd be interested. Initially, I hesitated, wondering what I could bring to the genre that I hadn't done before. However, Bryan emphasized Kevin's versatility and mentioned that he was keen on transitioning from comedic roles to a more grounded action character.

To get a better sense of working with Kevin, I reached out to some directors who had experience with him. They all praised Kevin as a fantastic and versatile person. Intrigued, I decided to meet with Kevin. In our conversation, he turned out to be just as everyone described – a genuinely nice guy with a clear vision for the project. After our meeting, I was on board, and a couple of weeks later, I found myself in Europe, gearing up for the movie.

F. Gary Gray on Crafting 'Lift': From Unique Heist Settings to Character Dynamics

In a recent interview, F. Gary Gray, the director of "Lift," discussed the challenges and creative decisions involved in making the heist film stand out from others in the genre. Gray revealed that the initial draw to the project came from Bryan Smiley of Hartbeat, Kevin Hart's production company, who admired Gray's work in heist films and pitched the idea of Kevin Hart taking on a heist role.

Gray highlighted the distinctive elements of "Lift," including its unique cast and the high-altitude setting of the heist, taking place 40,000 feet in the sky. He expressed enthusiasm for Kevin Hart's transition from comedic roles to a more grounded action character, finding it intriguing to explore new technology in both filmmaking and the heist process.

The director shared that the decision to steal an NFT in the film was a later addition to make the story contemporary. Gray also mentioned adjustments to the script, such as opening the movie in Venice for a global touch and enhancing the dynamics between the main characters.

One significant departure from typical heist plots is the team's altruistic motive. Rather than aiming for personal gain, they strive to save lives, adding a layer of complexity to the characters. Gray emphasized the importance of making the audience connect with the characters, even if they are engaging in criminal activities.

Addressing the challenges of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gray pointed out the difficulties of shooting in multiple countries with varying safety protocols. Despite the challenges, he expressed satisfaction with the audience response to the film.

As for the possibility of a sequel, Gray acknowledged the audience's desire for more and suggested that it ultimately depends on Netflix's decision. He hinted at the potential for a franchise but noted that the decision is beyond his control, emphasizing the role of Netflix, Kevin Hart, and the cast in determining the future of "Lift."